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Looking to create an environment conducive to industrial development while also ensuring transparency in the labour sector, on 16 October 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled “ Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram ” to revamp labour reforms and ease the ‘Make in India’ call.

A host of schemes were launched that are aimed at ending inspector raj and streamlining labour laws. Among the initiatives launched were: (a) Unified Labour Portal or “Shram Suvidha”, a transparent and accountable Labour Inspection Scheme; (b) portability through Universal Account Number (UAN) for Employees’ Provident Fund members; and (c) an Apprentice Protsahan Yojana.

The revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) for workers in the unorganised sector was also launched on the occasion.

The UAN will allow collation of accounts and viewing of updated PF accounts. The UAN would be portable throughout the working careers of members and can be used anywhere in India. Thus, workers in the organised sector would not need to apply for a transfer of their PF account claim on changing jobs.

Under the new Labour Inspection scheme, labour inspectors will get auto-generated lists telling them where to go for inspection. The inspectors will be required to upload their reports on to the portal within 72 hours of carrying out an inspection.

A unified Labour Identification Number (LIN) for simplifying business regulations and securing transparency and accountability in labour inspections by various agencies and bodies under the administrative control of Labour Ministry has also been launched.

The LIN web portal will operate through a unique LIN or Shram Pehchan Sankhya for each employer. The portal will provide for the e-filing of annual returns by employers.

Also, in a bid to promote Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), the government also decided to felicitate some individuals who have passed out from these institutions and are holding top posts in various companies.